There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, and Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is one of those timeless favorites that never goes out of style. Tender chicken, rich garlic-parmesan sauce, and silky noodles come together in just 30 minutes for a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.
Table of Contents
Introduction
This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Perfect for home cooks of all levels, it combines basic ingredients with easy techniques to create a rich and satisfying dish. Cream cheese gives the sauce a smooth texture, while a touch of garlic and fresh parmesan bring bold flavor. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or looking for something special but simple, this creamy pasta is a delicious solution.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The creamy sauce is both smooth and flavorful, thanks to a perfect balance of cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan.
Pan-seared chicken brings a golden crust and hearty taste that perfectly complements the sauce and pasta.
It’s quick to prepare and needs only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds a smooth, rich texture and helps thicken the sauce
1 cup freshly grated parmesan – Delivers a bold, nutty flavor and melts beautifully
8 oz fettuccine – Classic pasta shape ideal for rich, creamy sauces
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Sliced for fast and even cooking
1/2 tsp garlic powder – Enhances flavor without overpowering the dish
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce
Flour – Lightly coats the chicken for better browning in the pan
1 tbsp olive oil – Used for searing the chicken
3 tbsp butter, divided – Builds the base of the sauce and adds richness
1 cup heavy cream – Creates the creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth – Adds savory flavor and helps control the sauce thickness
2 garlic cloves, minced – Brings a fresh, aromatic element to the dish
How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Making this dish is as simple as it is satisfying. First, soften the cream cheese and prep all your ingredients. Boil your pasta while seasoning and searing the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set the chicken aside, and use the same pan to build the sauce with cream, broth, cream cheese, butter, and garlic. Once the sauce is silky, stir in parmesan and combine everything with the cooked fettuccine. Add sliced chicken and serve while hot and creamy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cream Cheese and Garlic
Bring cream cheese to room temperature or microwave it briefly until soft. Grate the parmesan and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine
Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Set aside half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Season and Dredge the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally for thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat in flour.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Set aside.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir frequently over medium heat.
Step 6: Let the Sauce Thicken
Simmer gently until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce begins to reduce. This should take around 5 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in Parmesan
Add the grated parmesan and stir until smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, adjust with a little pasta water.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Toss the pasta in the sauce, then top with sliced chicken. Finish with extra parmesan if desired.
Helpful Tips
Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the sauce
Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-packaged varieties
Don’t overcook the chicken – thinner pieces cook quickly and stay juicy
If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with reserved pasta water
Let the sauce simmer gently to help it thicken without splitting
Details
Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and savory
Texture: Smooth and luscious sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta
Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, date nights, or weekend meals
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Notes
Looking to change it up? Try swapping the chicken for shrimp or adding veggies like broccoli or mushrooms. If you like a bit of heat, stir in crushed red pepper flakes during the simmering stage. This dish is easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 640 |
| Total Fat | 40g |
| Saturated Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 38g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What helps Alfredo sauce stay creamy and not oily?
Using cream cheese and heavy cream keeps the sauce stable, resulting in a smooth texture without separating.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
It’s possible but not recommended. Substitutes like milk or half-and-half may cause the sauce to separate or turn out too thin.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, especially when sliced thinly. You can also use thighs if you prefer darker meat.
How do I reheat Alfredo without the sauce breaking?
Warm it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to help restore the sauce’s smoothness.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat and stir frequently. If needed, add a little cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo | The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy chicken fettuccine Alfredo made with a smooth garlic-parmesan sauce and pan-seared chicken. A classic comfort food ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan
8 oz fettuccine
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper
Flour for dredging
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter (divided)
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Soften the cream cheese and prepare garlic and parmesan.
2. Boil salted water and cook pasta. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
3. Slice chicken and season. Coat lightly with flour.
4. Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sear chicken 5 minutes per side.
5. Set chicken aside. In same skillet, melt remaining butter.
6. Add garlic, cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
7. Stir until smooth. Simmer 5 minutes.
8. Stir in parmesan. Thin sauce with pasta water if needed.
9. Slice chicken. Mix pasta with sauce. Serve topped with chicken.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese and fresh parmesan for best results.
Avoid low-fat dairy to prevent sauce separation.
Add red pepper flakes, mushrooms, or broccoli for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 38g
Conclusion
This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo delivers cozy comfort in every bite, with juicy chicken and a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s easy enough for a casual dinner yet indulgent enough to serve guests. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat. Try it out and bring a touch of restaurant-quality indulgence to your own kitchen.